The Office of Independent Review is completing its fourth month of providing full-time, independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Department.
OIR is led by Stephen J. Connolly, an attorney with several years experience as a consultant and monitor for law enforcement.
“I am grateful for the reception I’ve gotten at all levels of the Department,” he said recently. “I’m impressed with how helpful people have been about sharing information and answering questions. And there’s been a very cooperative spirit as far as considering my input and trying new approaches.”
Connolly’s primary role is to monitor all complaint cases and critical incidents from beginning to end. He works closely with Internal Affairs personnel and Department executives in tracking investigations and offering recommendations about outcomes.
In the coming months, Connolly is expected to provide public reports about his initial observations and activities.
“The goal is to make the Department more transparent and understandable to the public,” he explained. “The Department isn’t perfect. But when it deals with its problems appropriately and effectively, then I think people are more accepting.”
OIR also recently expanded with the hiring of John W. Harris as an “Investigations Analyst.”
Harris is a longtime resident of Orange County and a 36-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; he was a sergeant at the time of his retirement in March of 2008.
Harris will contribute to the monitoring process from his perspective as a veteran officer and experienced investigator. He spent six years in the Internal Affairs Bureau, and was assigned to LASD’s Force/Shooting Roll-Out team. He had lead investigative responsibilities for the internal review of dozens of shootings, significant force cases, and misconduct allegations. Along with a familiarity with the OIR model, Harris also has considerable knowledge about force policies, training, and the Peace Officer Bill of Rights.
Prior to serving with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Harris spent two tours in Vietnam with the United States Army. His was initially assigned to the Military Police before being reassigned the Army Criminal Investigation Division (C.I.D.).
Harris holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) and obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Rio Hondo College in Administration of Justice.
“I am pleased that John was willing and available to join OIR,” said Connolly. “I really respect his insights and his expertise, but he also understands the importance of listening and getting the whole story. I think he will develop constructive relationships inside the Department and with the public as well.”